The Russian military sees the resource-rich Arctic as a key strategic region.

President Vladimir Putin visited the new base, on Alexandra Land, last month.

It is built on stilts – to help withstand the extreme cold – and will house 150 personnel on 18-month tours of duty. Winter temperatures typically plunge to minus 40C.

Covering 14,000sq m (151,000sq ft), it is the second Putin-era Arctic base to be built for air defence units. The first base to be completed was Northern Clover on Kotelny Island, further east.

A military airstrip is also under construction in Franz Josef Land, called Nagurskoye.

Russia is building four other Arctic military bases – at Rogachevo, Cape Schmidt, Wrangel and Sredniy.

Experts say the melting of Arctic sea ice – generally attributed to climate change – is making the polar seas more accessible for shipping. That could make it easier to prospect for untapped energy and minerals in the region.

The 360-degree virtual tour shows the main living quarters at Arctic Trefoil, including a central five-storey atrium. The “trefoil” name refers to the main block’s three wings.

The base is self-sufficient in electricity, and equipped with a clinic, library, chapel, gym and cinema.

A military expert quoted by RIA news agency, Col (Rtd) Viktor Litovkin, said Russia was pursuing several strategic goals in the Arctic:

• Control of international shipping on the Northern Sea Route, including providing alerts about icebergs and severe weather

• Protecting Russian oil and gas resources in the Arctic

• Defending Russia against any intrusion by foreign warships and missile threats.